THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Road construction projects are the key infrastructural development backbone for providing access to overall development activities. The time overrun in road construction projects pose a significant challenge for stakeholders and constructing parties, as they lead to the cost overrun and increase overhead costs for contractors. The projects that progress on the completion of the road construction project get halted due to the time overrun of road construction and all beneficiaries become deprived of the opportunity for a longer time through the efficient use of the smooth road. The main objectives of this study were to identify the factors of time overrun and the impacts caused by time overrun and then to recommend strategies to minimize time overrun. A questionnaire survey with 62 respondents were conducted to identify the major factors affecting time overrun and to assess the impact caused by time overrun in road upgrading projects. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using the relative importance index (RII) method and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The case study was conducted on eleven selected projects to identify the factors contributing to time overrun and their impacts on the projects. Key informant interviews were conducted with experienced road project experts to identify the preventive measures to minimize the time overrun. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire. It is found that 9.44%, to 256.76% of the project duration exceeded in the projects. The results indicated that road right of way related issues, shortage of materials, financial difficulties faced by contractors, delay in site resources mobilization, poor site management and supervision, use of old/improper construction method and equipment, weather effect on construction activities, force majeure events (like Covid pandemic) and abnormally low bids by the contractor were the most significant factors contributing to time overrun. The results also show that extension of completion time of the project, escalation of material price, difficulties for public users, negative social impact, and Increase in overhead expenses were the most impactful consequences of time overrun on road upgrading projects. The findings also suggest the most recommended strategies to minimize or control the time overrun. viii These strategies include conducting detailed site investigations, thoroughly reviewing of designs, drawings, and plans before the tendering stage, adequate planning and management by all involved parties prior to commencing work, develop a mechanism selecting technically competent and experienced contractor with sufficient resources, set realistic timeframe, ensure quick decision making and designing of the project with experienced and knowledgeable personnel in road projects.

Keywords

Time overrun, impact, Major factors, Relative importance index